SOUTH SHORE YMCA: Honey Dew helps teach respect for others

Wednesday

Jun 28, 2017 at 10:08 AM

In recent years we have all become increasingly troubled with incidents of bullying and cyberbullying in schools in our region. According to “Cyberbullying & Bullying in Massachusetts: Frequency & Motivations,” a 2010 report by Elizabeth Englander, PhD, of the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University, 4.2 out of every 10 college freshmen reported being the victims of some form of bullying in high school or the first year in college. Forty-three percent of the 334 students polled stated that they knew individuals who had left school entirely due to the severity of bullying, and only eight percent of these students believed their schools worked consistently to stem the tide of bullying in their community. Of the 178 teachers polled for a secondary portion of the study, more than one-third reported that acts of bullying or cyberbullying occurred more than once a day in their school communities.

How do we combat bullying? We build a Sky Trail. Then, we enlist some heroes.

For more than forty years, Honey Dew Donuts® has been serving up fresh, delicious coffee, donuts, pastries, sandwiches and other refreshments to customers throughout New England, including a suite of healthy options within the Quincy Y. Honey Dew’s founder, Richard “Dick” Bowen, who started the business in 1973, recognizes that his customers have made a success out of his business, and so he gives back, to ensure that the people of New England are offered their own pathways to success. Over the years, the brand and their customers have contributed over $1 million to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. In 1999, The Honey Dew Donuts® Scholarship Fund was established to award students in communities where Honey Dew does business funds to help offset the costs of college.

Dick Bowen established the Honey Dew Family Foundation in 2008 and, together with his daughters, has since served many cities and towns with grants supporting anti-bullying initiatives, domestic violence support and other causes related to the health and well-being of women and children. Within the last few years, the foundation has focused on programs for middle school children that teach tools for respecting oneself and others. Through comprehensive programs led by expertly trained counselors, children participate in group activities that build relationships among peers. The Honey Dew Family Foundation wholeheartedly believes learning to respect others at a young age is crucial.

This past fall, the South Shore YMCA graciously accepted a grant from the Honey Dew Family Foundation in support of its Moving Mountains anti-bullying program. Moving Mountains takes classmates on a journey through the concepts of self-respect, respect for one another, teamwork and self-confidence through programs at three South Shore YMCA sites.

This spring, students from Hanover, Hull and Norwell have begun their journey through the Moving Mountains program. Students gathered on the Y’s fields, on its low rope course and on the 14-element Sky Trail indoor ropes course. “Memorial Middle School students loved the ropes course and team building activities,” said Anthony Hrivnak, principal of Hull’s middle school. “Teachers could see many students were hesitant at first but quickly built confidence as students cheered for each other.”

Just accessing the 14 elements is challenging enough. South Shore Y upped the ante for the students by depriving their senses once they climbed up – using blindfolds and noise-cancelling headphones – and instructing their peers on the ground below to guide them across the elements.

“The Moving Mountains program provided our students with a fantastic opportunity to learn teamwork and perseverance,” said Hrivnak, “two key skills needed to manage peer-conflict and overcome disagreements.”

“Teachers found it interesting to observe their own students during the team building activities,” said Christine Cappadonna, principal of Hull’s Jacobs Elementary School. “They liked that students had to struggle with finding the solutions.”

The final step for each of these students will be onto a zipline, as the final element of the South Shore YMCA’s high ropes course, at Camp Burgess in Sandwich. Some communities are opting to split the classes – completing phases one and two in 5th grade and three and four in 6th, when students from different elementary schools come together as classmates for the first time.

For Dick Bowen and the Honey Dew Family Foundation, they’re all steps in the right direction, toward mutual respect for one and all.

South Shore YMCA

The South Shore YMCA is a charity serving eleven local communities: Quincy, Randolph, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell and Hanover. For information on how to support its work through volunteering or donations, contact Mary Orne at morne@ssymca.org or 781-264-9400 ext. 3306.

SSYMCA 125th Anniversary Moment

Reverend Victor V. Sawyer of the Wollaston Methodist Church performed the dedication of the “new” Quincy Y on May 30, 1956 in responsorial fashion. For instance, after Sawyer said, “To the service of boys and girls that may be helped to grow into dependable men and women who shall take their places in our society equipped to be good citizens,” the gathered guests responded, “WE DEDICATE THIS BUILDING!”

Registration for Summer Programs is now underway.

The Summer Program Session runs July 5th – August 29th. View our summer program guides and register online at ssymca.org.

Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need, applicable to all Y programs.

Kids Nights Out in July

Every Saturday, from 5 to 8 p.m., we implore you to go out to dinner, see a movie, or catch up with friends while your children play, explore and learn with experienced, caring YMCA staff. Pizza is provided followed by fun and games! Mark your calendars for upcoming dates: Quincy Y: July 8: 4th of July Celebration; July 15: Chicken Little; July 22: Christmas in July; July 29: Pirates Night. Emilson Y: July 8: 4th of July celebration; July 15: Finding Nemo; July 22: Finding Dory; July 29: Christmas in July. Fees: members, $15 per child; non-members, $20 per child. For more information, please call Annie Vraibel at 781-829-8585 x3232 or email at avraibel@ssymca.org.

Health Education and Lifestyle Programs Forming this Fall

The South Shore YMCA believes in strengthening the whole person, body, mind and soul. We run numerous Health Education and Lifestyle programs throughout the year that address this mission: LIVESTRONG at the Y, for cancer survivors; YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program; Chronic Disease Self-Management; A Matter of Balance; and many more. New classes will begin in September, but waitlists are forming now. For more information about the programs, the South Shore YMCA’s financial assistance program and how to sign up, please contact Katelyn Szafir, Medical Wellness Director, at 617-479-8500 ext. 8228 or kszafir@ssymca.org.

Quincy Branch

79 Coddington St., Quincy, 617-479-8500

Tutoring at the YMCA

The Y provides one-on-one tutoring lessons for students in math, language arts and science. We will provide your student with extra support or enrichment in the areas of math and literacy through instruction tailored to meet their individual needs. Book your child’s half hour lesson today! For more information, contact Annie Vraibel, Director of Family Program Engagement, at avraibel@ssymca.org or 781-829-8585 ext. 8232.

Quincy Day Camp Now Enrolling

Summer is a time to enjoy the warm weather, hang out with friends, swim and play outside but, at camp the possibilities are endless. Camp is a place to make friends and actively explore your imagination. Support and encouragement from positive adult role models come together to boost confidence, self-esteem, social skills and overall emotional intelligence for our campers. Our Traditional, Arts, Specialty, Golf, Flag Football, Super Sports and Water Camps are held at Snug Harbor Elementary School in Quincy. Basketball, Baseball, Soccer and Tennis Camps are held at Eastern Nazarene College. Register today at www.ssymca.org or contact Phil Gay, Quincy Day Camp Director, at philg@ssymca.org.

Emilson Branch

75 Mill St., Hanover, 781-829-8585

Youth Athletic Foundations

Calling all athletes! Condition your body to perform at your best! This co-ed class focuses on increasing speed, quickness, strength, and improving flexibility. Participation in sports can help build self-esteem and confidence, can motivate children to excel academically and can help build social skills. Participation can also teach children the benefits of goal-setting, practice and self-discipline. EVERY child should have the opportunity to play a sport and learn healthy, lifelong skills. Session I: July 6 to July 27; Session II: August 7 to 28. For more information, contact Kristen Noonan, Senior Director of Group Exercise at 781-829-8585 ext. 8300 or knoonan@ssymca.org.

R.I.P.P.E.D –One Stop Body Shock

This fitness program that encompasses all aspects of physical fitness. R.I.P.P.E.D. is an acronym for resistance, interval, power, plyometrics, endurance and diet. The first five components are taught in a 50 minute class, The R.I.P.P.E.D class follows its acronym and changes up the workout every six to nine minutes, allowing every muscle group to get a quick yet effective workout, thus the tagline. One Stop Body Shock is designed for all fitness levels, allowing a gym novice and trained athlete to both feel an intense full body workout. The South Shore Y in Hanover will be offer classes starting in September. For more information, contact Kristen Noonan, Senior Director of Group Exercise at 781-829-8585 ext. 8300 or knoonan@ssymca.org.

ZoneWellness

141 Longwater Drive, Assinippi Park, Norwell, 781-264-9488

Freedom From Smoking

The American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking program includes eight sessions designed to help smokers gain control over their behavior through topics such as stress management, lifestyle changes, coping strategies, medication and more. This class is delivered by an American Lung Association-trained facilitator in a small group setting, will run for eight weeks on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Zone Wellness. For more information or to register, contact Meghan Patrolia, Medical Wellness Coordinator, at 617-479-8500 ext. 4760 or mpatrolia@ssymca.org.

Laura’s Center for the Arts

97 Mill St., Hanover, 781-829-8585 x8335

Come Check out the Plymouth Phil at Laura’s Center!

This summer the sounds of Plymouth are heading north to Hanover! The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra will perform four Thursday concerts at Laura’s Center for the Arts, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 20: Plymouth Philharmonic Cabaret Orchestra; July 27: -the Phil's Percussion Ensemble; August 3, 2017: the Phil's Woodwind Ensemble; and August 10: the Phil's Brass Quintet. For more information, contact SiouxSanna Ramirez-Cruz, Director, Arts and Education Department, at 781-829-8585 or scruz@ssymca.org.

LCA Preschool Enrolling now for Fall 2017

LCA Preschool is a morning program serving children 2.9 months to 5+ years old. LCA Preschool offers families a traditional preschool program enriched with a special focus on the arts, centering on a child's creative process as a means of self-expression and discovery. The arts are incorporated into themes to encourage children to grow cognitively, socially, and physically, promoted through a daily art lesson as well as large and small group dramatic play. We are enrolling for our Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pre-K program with options available to do two of the three days. Contact Layni Loumiotis-Hook, Director/Lead Teacher, at layni@ssymca.org or (781) 924-8272, or Laureen Browning, Vice President of Youth Development, at lbrowning@ssymca.org to set up a tour.

South Shore Natural Science Center

48 Jacobs Lane, Norwell, 781-659-2559

36th Annual Garden Tour

Tour the prettiest gardens on the South Shore! This year’s tour takes us through Norwell, Hingham, Cohasset and Scituate. Enjoy plein air artists and musicians as you meander through beautiful perennial gardens. Saturday, July 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $18 for members of the South Shore YMCA or South Shore Natural Science Center, $20 per nonmember; $25 the day of the tour. Please call 781-659-2559 to purchase tickets.

Nature Center Preschool 2017 Enrollment Open

Schedule a tour to see a classroom in session and learn about our unique nature-based curriculum. Nature Center Preschool encourages each child to learn and grow in all areas of development as he/she gains love and respect for our natural world through exploration and hands-on activities. Contact the Preschool Director, Diane Thureson, dthureson@ssymca.org or call 781-659-2559 to schedule a tour.

Camps Burgess and Hayward

75 Stowe Road, Sandwich, 508-428-2571

Adventure Trips

Camp Burgess & Hayward’s Adventure Trips programs have been empowering youth since 1986. Our Base Camp location is on Cape Cod, just one hour south of Boston in the historic town of Sandwich and amidst over 300 acres of forests, meadows and sparkling freshwater ponds. All programs are co-ed and serve youth ages 12-17. We operate year-round and offer a variety of one-week and weekend programs, through which everyone has the opportunity to be challenged with engaging activities, make new friends, gain independence, and learn valuable life skills, all while experiencing adventure on Cape Cod and beyond. See more at www.campburgessandhayward.com/adventure-trips.